Smoking ban

I am one of those who are looking forward to a full no-smoking policy in public areas. Smoking is a vice which negatively affects other people's health and enjoyment against their will. Apart from the stench that sticks to every piece of clothing worn, passive smoking makes me physically ill and I develop symptoms such as productive cough, blocked sinuses, inflamed throat and headache.

I do not need any scientific evidence to prove that passive smoking affects my health badly. At present, my only option is not to go to places of entertainment. I can neither go to most restaurants and cafeterias. No smoking areas are usually a joke since smokers' tables are situated just a couple of metres away.

There are many people like me whose life is restricted because of the lack of legislation. All we want is to breathe good air.

Do pregnant women or parents with young children have a right to enjoy a meal out without worrying about the adverse effects of passive smoking on the baby or the child? Who is infringing on whose rights? Is it the smokers who tell us to stay away if we do not like it so that they are free to light up and satisfy their cravings or is it non-smokers who are telling smokers to keep their vices for themselves?

New anti-smoking legislation will not result in the decrease of the number of people in establishments because the number of non-smokers who had always kept away will increase.